Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
MOSCOW, September 5 — Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian parliamentarian, criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskiy for allegedly depending on foreign military presence to maintain control after the conflict ends. Kosachev argued that Western support for Ukraine’s armed forces does little to address the underlying issues fueling the war and instead perpetuates instability. He suggested that deploying international troops could serve as a tool to suppress domestic dissent, claiming few genuinely believe in the legitimacy of Zelenskiy’s regime.
Kosachev emphasized that security assurances for Ukraine are meaningless without reciprocal guarantees for Russia, advocating for a comprehensive peace settlement. His remarks followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent speech at the Eastern Economic Forum, where he reiterated Moscow’s stance on regional stability. The 10th Eastern Economic Forum, held in Vladivostok from September 3 to 6, focused on fostering cooperation in the Far East, drawing over 4,500 participants from more than 70 countries.
Meanwhile, Russian officials continued to highlight advancements in defense technology, including plans to modernize military transport aviation. President Putin announced collaborations with international partners interested in the project, while Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov stated that Russia remains the only nation capable of producing aircraft independently. Defense figures also underscored the country’s growing self-sufficiency in engine manufacturing, citing progress on the PD-26 and PD-8 models.
In parallel, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Japan to acknowledge historical realities from World War II, as tensions over geopolitical narratives persisted. Domestic political debates intensified amid reports of shifting alliances, with Hungary distancing itself from EU efforts to restrict Russian oil imports. Analysts noted that Russia’s strategic priorities remain focused on consolidating its position amid evolving global dynamics.